This recording of Franz Schreker's opera "Der Ferne Klang" is a co-production between RIAS Berlin and CAPRICCIO.
Composer Biography
Franz Schreker, the composer, was born in Monaco in 1878; his father was a court photographer who later sought fortune at aristocratic meeting points.
Composition History
Schreker began composing "Der Ferne Klang" in 1901 or 1903, but after writing two acts, he put the work aside due to discouragement from "experts" who called it "chaotic rubbish."
Composition History
The score for "Der Ferne Klang" was not completed until 1910, partly due to Schreker's successes in 1908 and 1909, including the premiere of his ballet-pantomime "Der Geburtstag der Infantin."
Historical Context
Franz Schreker's work was suppressed and largely forgotten for decades after World War II, following his forced resignation from his directorship and removal from the Prussian Academy of Art due to political attacks.
Critical Reception
The premiere of "Der Ferne Klang" on August 18, 1912, in Frankfurt was a sensation and launched Schreker's successful career as an opera composer, with his works often outperforming those of Richard Strauss.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Schreker wrote the libretto for "Der Ferne Klang" himself, believing that his "gnawing latent powers" could only be expressed through music drama.
You might also enjoy...
John Aylward: Oblivion
Mozart Don Giovanni Highlights
Morlacchi: Tebaldo e Isolina (Revised 1825 Version) [Live]
Robert Paterson: Three Way – A Trio of One-Act Operas
